The University of Nebraska Eastern Nebraska Research, Extension and Education Center (ENREEC) is pleased to announce that Katja Koehler-Cole joined the ENREEC team in a new position as soil health management extension educator. She began this new role March 28, 2022 and is officed at the ENREEC Christenson Building.

As a member of the University’s Water and Integrated Cropping Systems (WICS) team, Koehler-Cole will develop and deliver extension programming focused on soil health management practices throughout the state of Nebraska. 

“We are excited to have Katja join the team at ENREEC,” ENREEC Director Doug Zalesky said. “She will provide a wealth of knowledge and expertise on soil health, not only in eastern Nebraska but all across the state.”

Koehler-Cole first joined the University of Nebraska community as a postdoctoral research associate in the Department of Agronomy and Horticulture. She earned her PhD from University of Nebraska-Lincoln School of Natural Resources in 2015. She has been a research assistant professor since December 2018. 

Many growers are familiar with Koehler-Cole’s research, focusing on cover crops to improve soil health in cropping systems across Nebraska. Her research has been featured in CropWatch and Market Journal and she has presented at field days, such as Soybean Management Field Days.

“Nebraska farmers are well aware of the importance of soil health, for example we are leading the nation in the adoption of no-till practices,” Koehler-Cole said. “I am looking forward to supporting our producers’ efforts in the area of soil health, and will also work to raise awareness of this important issue with other stakeholders and the public.”

To read her CropWatch articles on soil health management practices, visit Koehler-Cole's author page.